Wayne LaPierre is an American gun rights activist who has been a prominent figure in the [[National Rifle Association (NRA)]] for decades. Born on November 8, 1949, in Schenectady, New York, LaPierre was raised in Roanoke, Virginia and received a master's degree in government and politics from Boston College. In 1977, LaPierre joined the NRA, initially working as a lobbyist in the organization's Institute for Legislative Action. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the executive vice president and CEO in 1991, positions he held until 2022. As a central figure in the NRA, LaPierre played a key role in shaping the organization's policies and strategies, making him one of the most influential advocates for gun rights in the United States. # Defense of 2A Under LaPierre's leadership, the NRA fiercely opposed various gun control measures, including the Brady Bill and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. LaPierre was known for his passionate speeches and steadfast defense of the Second Amendment. He often argued that the only way to stop criminals with guns was for law-abiding citizens to be armed. ## 'Bad guy with a gun' fallacy LaPierre's tenure at the NRA was not without controversy. He made headlines for his response to the 2012 [[Sandy Hook]] Elementary School shooting, where he advocated for armed guards in schools, famously stating, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." This statement drew criticism from gun control advocates, who saw it as an insensitive reaction to the tragedy. In the later years of his career, LaPierre faced additional challenges, as the NRA confronted financial difficulties and internal strife. In 2021, the organization declared [[bankruptcy]] and attempted to reorganize and move its charter from New York to Texas, but the effort was ultimately unsuccessful. Wayne LaPierre [stepped down as the executive vice president and CEO of the NRA in early 2024](https://www.perplexity.ai/search/did-wayne-lapierre-leave-the-n-9hwanKOjT.eYPJl8YylQiA#0), after more than 40 years with the organization. His long career in the NRA made him a prominent figure in the American gun rights movement and a wildly controversial figure in the ongoing debate over gun control.